Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra

Schoenberg’s epic masterpiece is scored for soloists, chorus and huge orchestral forces, including a part for iron chains.

The composer found inspiration for his `songs of Gurre’ in a Danish dramatic poem which tells of the legendary King Waldemar and his love for Tove, the murderous jealousy of Queen Helwig, Waldemar’s condemnation and ghostly night rides, and a final spiritual reconciliation through the healing powers of nature.

Salonen conducts a full concert performance of this work, which he released with the Philharmonia in 2009, to great acclaim.